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MLB: ALCS Betting Preview – Los Angeles vs. New York
2009-10-16
While pitching is supposed to determine championships, the American League representative to the World Series figures to be what team outscores the other. These are the two best offenses in baseball, at least in terms of runs scored. It could be a high scoring series. New York is a -180 favorite at Sportsbook.com for the series, but there are numerous other exciting wagering options to choose from, sides, totals, props, you name it. Read on for a preview of the series then head over to the LIVE ODDS page for the latest options.
New York is a power-laden veteran club that is patient as the dish and makes opposing pitchers feel they have to be perfect batter after batter. The additions of Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher not only added power, but keep opposing teams from trying to stack pitching in their favor, since they are switch hitters. Alex Rodriguez is looking more comfortable for change in October and his presence in the lineup makes others see better pitches.
Rumors are circulating C.C. Sabathia is being kicked around to pitch three times if this series goes the limit. Though Sabathia’s concentration will wonder against lesser teams, he proven time and again to be “big time” on the various teams he’s played for in important games. Phil Hughes seems to have found his perfect role and is probably being groomed for when the best closer ever, Mariano Rivera retires. There has never been closer that pitches as well and even at age 39, he still breaks more bats than any reliever.
A strong case can be made A.J. Burnett is the Yankees best pitcher, based on “stuff”, yet it always doesn’t come with him to the mound. Of Burnett’s 34 starts this season, on eight separate occasions he was touched for five or more runs, proving command and over-anxiousness can overtake him. Andy Pettitte will start Game 3, with the Angles 38-17 against left-handers. Joba Chamberlain has fallen off the second half of the season and could be hero or goat for Yankee team trying to make Fall Classic for the first time since 2003. This is also new territory for manager Joe Girardi.
This is a different Angels’ team than the last few years, when they last played in ALCS in 2005. The “hack at everything” team has found a semblance of patience, thanks to the addition of Bobby Abreu, who showed even veteran hitters like Vladimir Guerrero, they can wait for a better pitch to swing at. This approach has made Chone Figgins more valuable as leadoff hitter. Kendry Morales has added much needed pop in the middle of the order. Howie Kendrick and Torri Hunter have been smokin’ the baseball for an extended period of time. No team puts more pressure on defenses with runners on base, with merry-go-round style.
It appears the Angels have the starting pitchers to match wits with New York. Game 1 starter John Lackey finally shook postseason blahs against Boston and Jered Weaver was the one dependable starter the Halos had early in the year when they were throwing out journeymen night after night due to injury. Game 2 starter Joe Saunders hasn’t lost since returning from DL on Aug.26 (7-0) and has not allowed more than three earned runs in those outings. Scott Kazmir will have a chance to prove why Los Angeles acquired.
When searching for weakness, the bullpen stands out Shaquille O’Neal among ordinary citizens. Brian Fuentes is the centerpiece of frustration, but it’s too late to turn back now. The setup men are a coin flip, with Kevin Jepsen and Darren Oliver the most trustworthy of leaky bunch. The biggest issue with the starting pitching is they have a contingent that would make four really good pitchers if they were No.3’s on most teams. That’s been a cause for postseason failures; a quality start might not be good enough in October. Vlad Guerrero deserves respect, nevertheless should he bat that high in the lineup with two RBI’s in last 19 postseason games? While Mike Scioscia is well regarded in baseball as a manager, he’s won as many titles as Charley Manuel and Bob Brenly, who won’t be going into the Hall of Fame as skippers.
Offensive – American League
Runs scored Angels 2nd New York 1st
Home Runs Angels 8th New York 1st
Slugging Ptc. Angels 4th New York 1st
Walks Angels 7th New York 1st
On base Ptc. Angels 3rd New York 1st
Pitching & Defense
ERA Angels 9th New York 4th
Strikeouts Angels 9th New York 1st
Walks Angels 5th New York 11th
On base Ptc. Angels 10th New York 4th
Putouts Angels 5th New York 3rd
Errors Angels 4th New York 5th
Key Numbers- The Yankees and Angels split 10 games this season, with New York 3-1 at their new ball yard. Over the last three seasons the teams are 7-7 in the Bronx. On the season, the Yanks are frankly awesome. New York is domineering 59-24 at home and impressive 47-35 on the road. They dominated lefties with 37-18 record, whom they will face at least twice in this series. In games determined by two or more runs, New York is fantastic 83-43. With five scheduled night games, the Yankees are 70-36 under the lights. Don’t undersell the Angels, with 51-32 home record and 49-33 road mark. They too have crushed lefthanders with aforementioned record. The Halos are potent 34-22 as underdogs and as evidenced in three game sweep over Boston, no clubhouse is tighter, for a team that refuses to lose. Even after losing series to New York in late September, L.A. is still 11-4 in Anaheim vs the Yanks in last 15 contests.
Sportsbook.com Series Odds: Yankees -180, Angels +150
MLB: Phillies and Dodgers NLCS Betting Preview
2009-10-16
The 2009 National League Championship Series is a rematch of the 2008 version, and for this year, it is the Dodgers that are expected to avenge their loss and bring the pennant back to Los Angeles. They are a -120 series favorite at Sportsbook.com. Of course, there are also numerous other team, player, game & series
betting options to consider. Read on for a preview of the NLCS then head on over to the
LIVE ODDS page to examine all the available
wagering opportunities.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were dismissed in five games by the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies last October and believe they have advantages 12 months later in their favor. Though the Dodgers lack a true No.1 ace, manager Joe Torre is confident he can matchup with the Phillies better by mixing and matching to situations and still have added depth to turn to a pitcher that was a starter during the
regular season if his chosen starter struggles early.
In last year’s NLCS, Los Angeles started five right-hand pitchers. Expect to see lefties Clayton Kershaw and Randy Wolf in the first four games as starting pitchers to hopefully combat Philly sluggers Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Torre is still contemplating who the other starters will be, but rest assured he will put Los Angeles in the best position to win the series based on his history.
On offense, a year’s experience should be invaluable to L.A. Last year they were loose in sweeping the Cubs, but everyone but Manny Ramirez puckered up once the next round came about. Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are the two most likely keys for the Dodgers offense; however the bottom of the order can also play an important role and Torre likes the experience from players like Casey Blake to deliver.
This is the Dodgers eighth NLCS and first back-to-back in 31 years. Ironically, exactly half of their appearances in this round of the postseason have been against Philadelphia.
The Phillies are looking to make a historical statement with visions of becoming the first NL team to win back-to-back World Series since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds. Philadelphia in fact is the first National League team to make consecutive appearances in the NLCS since Atlanta in 1995-96. It’s hard to fathom the Phillies will shutdown like St. Louis did against the Dodgers in the first round, since they led the league in home runs, scoring and most extra bases hits. The quartet of Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, Howard and Utley were the first group of Phillies to hit 30 or more home runs in a season.
Look for Cole Hamels to be the Game 1 starter. Though the lefty has not been nearly as effective as last season, he’s rested and loves pitching at Dodger Stadium. In three starts in L.A., Hamels has pitched 23 innings, allowing three runs on 15 hits, striking out 17 and walking just five batters. In his career he is 4-0 with a 1.64 ERA facing Los Angeles hitters.
Expect manager Charley Manuel to save Cliff Lee for Game 3 at home, which gives him ample rest and also makes him available for Game 7 on normal rest if needed. Manuel will piece together the rest of rotation and expect Chan Ho Park to be added to the bullpen.
Based on the body of work, the Dodgers have distinct edge in the bullpen. Jonathan Broxton and George Sherrill have been lights out for opposing
teams for six weeks. Though Brad Lidge picked up two saves in the NLDS, it was out of necessity, not desire. The skipper Manuel had used up all other options in both situations and played the percentages in utilizing Lidge and escaped both times. Has last season’s most dominant closer regained enough confidence to be called upon again? Only Manuel knows with fingers crossed inside his pockets.
Offensive – National League
Runs scored Dodgers 4th Philadelphia 1st
Home Runs Dodgers 11th Philadelphia 1st
Slugging Ptc. Dodgers 7th Philadelphia 1st
Walks Dodgers 4th Philadelphia 7th
On base Ptc. Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 8th
Pitching & Defense
ERA Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 5th
Bullpen ERA Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 9th
Strikeouts Dodgers 2nd Philadelphia 9th
Walks Dodgers 8th Philadelphia 2nd
On base Ptc. Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 7th
Putouts Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 4th
Errors Dodgers 4th Philadelphia 2nd
Key Numbers- The Dodgers won the season series 4-3 and are 9-5 at home against the Phillies and 4-8 in the City of Brotherly Love the last three years. Los Angeles is among the best
teams in baseball at home with 52-31 record and is 71-47 against RH starters. Torre’s club was only average in games decided by three or less runs with 59-51 record. Though playing in a weak division, the Dodgers are 20-6 vs. NL
teams scoring 4.8 or more runs a game on the season. The Phillies were tied with the Angels for the best road record during the
regular season at 48-33 and picked up two more wins in Colorado. Conventional wisdom has the Phillies being stymied against left-hand pitching; however a deep and versatile lineup is 29-16 against port-siders. The Phils have been much better in closer contests with a 56-41 record with games decided by three or less runs.
Sportsbook.com Series Odds: Dodgers -120, Phillies Even
MLB: Colorado vs. Philadelphia Divisional Series Betting
2009-10-07
The defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies have ability to score runs by the bushel-full and have strong starting pitching. The Phillies topped the National League in runs scored at 5.1 per game, which was just ahead of second place Colorado at 5.0. The Phils boast playoff experience, the Rockies were one of the league’s hottest clubs in the second half of the regular season. It should be a great series, and an exciting one to bet on. Speaking of which, Sportsbook.com has all kinds of options available for you to consider. Head over to the
LIVE ODDS page to see all those.
Need a game changing home run, look no further than these two clubs with Philly going yard 224 times (1st in NL) and Rocks batters sending the ball over the fence 190 times (2nd).
No team can live on hitting alone and Colorado had five different starting pitchers win 10 games or more, led by Jorge DeLa Rosa 16 wins. The Phillies have Cole Hamels who pitched much better the last two months than the first four and knows what it takes in the postseason. The addition of Cliff Lee gave the Phillies a wonderful a chance to win every fifth day and placed Joe Blanton in better position as a solid starter.
Both lineups have the ability to explode at any time, which sets up the potential for a great deal of second guessing by the managers in this series when it comes to making pitching changes. When has a starter had enough or can he work out of jams?
This leads to the late inning bullpen situations for both teams. Closer Brad Lidge was given every opportunity to succeed by manager Charley Manuel and he failed. Ryan Madison is now the closer, but his mental makeup is unproven in this pressure packed role. Huston Street has only allowed runs once in his last 10 appearances, yet nobody is convinced he’s Mariano Rivera material.
Offensive – National League
Runs scored Colorado 2nd Philadelphia 1st
Home Runs Colorado 2nd Philadelphia 1st
Slugging Pct. Colorado 2nd Philadelphia 1st
Walks Colorado 1st Philadelphia 7th
On base Pct. Colorado 2nd Philadelphia 8th
Pitching & Defense
ERA Colorado 7th Philadelphia 5th
Bullpen ERA Colorado 13th Philadelphia 9th
Strikeouts Colorado 8th Philadelphia 9th
Walks Colorado 4th Philadelphia 2nd
On base Pct. Colorado 6th Philadelphia 7th
Putouts Colorado 12th Philadelphia 4th
Errors Colorado 5th Philadelphia 2nd
Key Numbers- Philadelphia won four of six meetings this year and tied for the best record in baseball on the road at 48-33. Colorado’s mission is to earn split and return home where they had the second best record in the senior circuit on home turf with 51-30 record. The Rockies are only 6-18 vs. NL
teams scoring 4.8 or more runs a game on the season, while the Phillies are 17-7 when facing the same kind of offense.
Sportsbook.com Series Odds: Phillies -170, Rockies +145
MLB: St. Louis vs. L.A. Dodgers Divisional Series
2009-10-07
The pressure, the intensity and the drama all ratchet up in the Major Leagues with post-season baseball. The National League picture has really changed in the last 45 days. It has finally settled into divisional series matchups pitting the Dodgers versus the Cardinals, and the Rockies vs. the Phillies. Here is a look at that St. Louis-Los Angeles matchup from a
betting perspective. When you’re through reading it, head over to the
LIVE ODDS page on Sportsbook.com to see all of the available game, series, and prop
wagering options.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were thought to be a lock to win the National League West, when they seemingly lost interest. From August 28 on, the Dodgers only played nine of last 34 games against
teams with winning records and yet didn’t clinch NL West crown until the next to last day of the regular season. In fact, Los Angeles had six straight days to wrap up the division and lost five in a row before finally defeating Colorado this past Saturday. The Dodgers were less than inspiring 19-14 against the below average competition to finish the
regular season and are +123 underdogs despite home field advantage.
How could that be one might wonder, it’s because they are playing St. Louis. Most baseball experts are saying forget the fact they lost six of last seven games, that was just a team setting up rotation and preparing for the playoffs. No team in baseball was more aggressive before the trade deadline in adding quality players to their roster. Matt Holliday was really the most important acquisition, as he brought a potent bat to help Albert Pujols batting cleanup. From July 24 until Sept.22, St. Louis was baseball best 37-17.
The
Cardinals appear to also have two distinct advantages in this series, superior starting pitching and better bullpen. Chris Carpenter (17-4, 2.24 ERA) would have two starts in this series if it goes the distance. Carpenter led the National League with the lowest ERA and he’s been ridiculous of late with sick 0.45 earned run average in his last three starts. Adam Wainwright (19-4) was fourth in ERA at 2.63. Only once in 18 times did Carpenter and Wainwright lose back to back games and that hasn’t happened in over three months.
Offensive – National League
Runs scored Dodgers 4th St. Louis 7th
Home Runs Dodgers 11th St. Louis 6th
Slugging Pct. Dodgers 7th St. Louis 6th
Walks Dodgers 4th St. Louis 12th
On base Pct. Dodgers 1st St. Louis 10th
Pitching & Defense
ERA Dodgers 1st St. Louis 4th
Bullpen ERA Dodgers 1st St. Louis 4th
Strikeouts Dodgers 2nd St. Louis 14th
Walks Dodgers 8th St. Louis 1st
On base Pct. Dodgers 1st St. Louis 3rd
Putouts Dodgers 1st St. Louis 10th
Errors Dodgers 4th St. Louis 9th
Key Numbers- The
Cardinals have won five of seven this season and is 5-4 at Dodger Stadium the last three years. With the Dodgers having to face two stud pitchers in the first two games, note they are 8-16 vs. a starting pitcher whose throws more than 6.5 innings per start this season.
Sportsbook.com Series Odds:
Cardinals -150, Dodgers +130
MLB: Red Sox and Angels ALDS Betting Preview
2009-10-07
The Red Sox and Angles will be the last
teams to start up their divisional series, giving bettors at least an extra day to prepare for all the exiciting
wagering opportunities available. Right now, you can bet on each game, side and total, the series, including exact game props, plus numerous other player and team options at Sportsbook.com. Read on for a preview of the Boston-Los Angeles series, then head over to the
LIVE ODDS page to analyze the options.
As if the postseason isn’t enough motivation, the Los Angeles Angels have a score to settle. The Angels had the second best record in the American League and that accomplishment means nothings to oddsmakers. The Halos are underdogs to Boston, since in the last five years; they have one win in 10 meetings with the Red Sox in the postseason. This can’t even be described as a rivalry since the outcomes have been so one-sided.
How will this year be any different than the last three times? Los Angeles feels better equipped offensively this time around. Only the Yankees scored more runs than the Angels in baseball this season. The 5.5 runs per game and boost in power (183 home runs) gives them the belief they are less likely to be stymied like in the past, since they have averaged 2.9 runs per game in last 10 postseason conflicts.
The Angels also believe their starting pitching is every bit as good as Boston’s, maybe better. John Lackey and Jered Weaver have experience and generally pitch well at home. When they travel to Boston, Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders will try and make life tough on Red Sox hitters, as both are throwing extremely well of late.
In theory that all sound terrific, one problem, the Angels bullpen. Though Los Angeles has a higher save percentage than Boston (73 to 69 percent), nobody is going to take the Halos pen over the BoSox. Closer Brian Fuentes just recently went under four (3.93) for his ERA for the first time this season. The Angels are 11th in bullpen ERA compared to Boston’s second place finish in the American League. According to ESPN senior editor Dave Schoenfield, only three
teams since 1969 have won the World Series with a closer who had ERA greater than three.
Boston has John Papelbon (1.85 ERA) as its closer and
teams that have inferior closer, but better overall record are 26-28 in the division series. The lower scoring team is 32-22 in this round and the club with the better bullpen ERA wins 58.9 percent of the time (33-23) in divisional series.
Total the numbers and you can see why the Angels are underdogs in the ALDS. For Los Angeles to win they have to score runs and HOPE the bullpen can shutdown Boston bats. If the Red Sox starters once again limit L.A. in the run column, it will be like watching the TV Land; you’ve seen this show before.
Offensive – American League
Runs scored Boston 3rd Angels 2nd
Home Runs Boston 3rd Angels 8th
Slugging Pct. Boston 2nd Angels 4th
Walks Boston 2nd Angels 7th
On base Pct. Boston 2nd Angels 3rd
Pitching & Defense
ERA Boston 7th Angels 9th
Bullpen ERA Boston 2nd Angels 11th
Strikeouts Boston 2nd Angels 9th
Walks Boston 6th Angels 5th
On base Pct. Boston 8th Angels 10th
Putouts Boston 8th Angels 5th
Errors Boston 3rd Angels 4th
Key Numbers- Los Angeles won the season series 5-4, including 4-2 at the Big A. The tone of the series is likely to be set in the series opener. John Lackey is living off history as big game pitcher, having last won in his rookie season of 2002, pitching in the postseason. Lester allowed one run in 14 innings last October against the Halos and the lefty and teammates are 35-12 in the second half of the season over the last two seasons. Though several factors are in the Red Sox favor, they are desultory 3-15 in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.
Sportsbook.com Series Odds: Red Sox -135, Angels +115
MLB: Twins and Yankees ALDS Betting Preview
2009-10-07
The New York Yankees went on an unparalleled spending spree last season and it ended up helping them have the best record in baseball at 103-59. Everyone knows that is fine and dandy, however how New York plays in October will determine if it was money well spent. They’ll start the playoffs as the league favorite at +160 to win the World Series according to Sportsbook.com. They are also a heavy divisional series favorite over the Twins. See all the exciting game, series, and prop options available on the
LIVE ODDS page.
The Yankees haven’t played in the World Series since 2001 and haven’t won the Fall Classic since taking home the big trophy in years 1998-2000. Mr. Yankee Derek Jeter understands better than anybody why this team could be different.
“We have much better pitching, and this lineup allows everyone to be more aggressive because we have good hitters 1-9.”
New York’s dominance pops up in a couple of different ways. In games decided by two or more runs, they were 62-43. At the new Yankee Stadium they built a 57-24 record and if Minnesota or anyone dares to start a left-hander against them, good luck, with the Bronx Bombers 36-18.
The Minnesota will make the unlikely journey to New York riding high. The Twins won what might be the best baseball game anyone will see the rest of the season Tuesday night, taking down Detroit 6-5 in 12 sensational innings.
The Twins are the hottest team remaining, winning 17 of last 22, including the all important last five in a row. Minnesota will have their work cut out for them since they lost all seven games to the Yankees this season and they have one victory in last 11 tries playing in the Bronx.
The Yankees are easily the biggest favorite to win the four divisional series at -400 and are the odds on favorite at Sportsbook.com to be champions yet again at +160 odds. Let’s see what the Yankees do.
Offensive – American League
Runs scored Minnesota 4th New York 1st
Home Runs Minnesota 9th New York 1st
Slugging Pct. Minnesota 7th New York 1st
Walks Minnesota 4th New York 1st
On base Pct. Minnesota 5th New York 1st
Pitching & Defense
ERA Minnesota 11th New York 4th
Strikeouts Minnesota 10th New York 1st
Walks Minnesota 1st New York 11th
On base Pct. Minnesota 7th New York 4th
Putouts Minnesota 6th New York 3rd
Errors Minnesota T-1st New York 5th
